It’s easy to think the states leading the charge on buzzy weight-loss injectables like Ozempic and Zepbound are California or New York, after all, that’s where many of the viral headlines and celebrity rumors are born. But new data tells a different story, and it starts in a part of the country you might not expect.
According to new numbers from research done by the Whitley Law Firm, West Virginia tops the list for GLP-1 prescriptions per capita, with more than 24,000 prescriptions filled for every 100,000 residents. That’s more than double what’s seen in lower-use states like Hawaii and Nevada. Coming in right behind West Virginia are Kentucky and Louisiana, two more southern states where demand is clearly sky-high.
Top 10 States with GLP-1 Prescriptions
So, what’s driving GLP-1 use in these less obvious places? Experts point to a mix of factors—higher rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, growing access through telehealth, and compounding pharmacies that make these medications more accessible.
“As the conversation around GLP-1 medications continues, it’s important to consider the factors driving these trends,” says a spokesperson for the law firm. “Understanding these patterns can help inform future discussions on public health and medical accessibility.”
Meanwhile, coastal hubs like California and New York don’t even crack the top 10 when adjusted for population. Alaska, North Dakota and Oklahoma are all showing rapid growth, too—proving this isn’t just a Hollywood or TikTok trend.
The bottom line? GLP-1s are now everywhere. And the weight-loss conversation is no longer just happening on the red carpet. It’s happening in towns big and small, in every corner of the country.
